MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand — In a thrilling encounter, New Zealand narrowly edged out Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first match of their three-match T20 International series on Saturday. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell played pivotal roles in the victory, forming a significant 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket that proved crucial in turning the tide of the match.
New Zealand set a target of 172 runs, but it seemed inadequate as Sri Lanka started their innings strongly, cruising to 121-0. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when outstanding late-order bowling saw Sri Lanka tumble to 164-8. Mitchell scored 62 runs, while Bracewell contributed 59, coming together at a critical juncture when New Zealand found themselves in trouble at 65-5 after Wanindu Hasaranga took two quick wickets in the tenth over.
Sri Lanka’s innings initially looked well on course, particularly with Pathum Nissanka’s impressive 90 runs off 60 deliveries, complemented by Kusal Mendis’ solid 46. Their partnership marked Sri Lanka’s first century partnership for the opening wicket in T20s after 122 innings over eight years. However, the match took a turn in the 14th over when Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets for just one run, disrupting Sri Lanka’s chase significantly. Nissanka was dismissed during the 19th over with his team sitting at 153-5 and requiring merely 20 runs for victory.
Despite a strong start, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain their advantage and was unable to capitalize on the excellent groundwork laid by Nissanka and Mendis. Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka expressed his disappointment with the outcome, noting, “We really should have done better. I think Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis batted really well, and the rest of us, myself included, should take responsibility for this loss.”
New Zealand faced significant pressure throughout the innings, starting off poorly at 32-2 at the end of the power play, thanks to a stellar opening spell from Binura Fernando, who finished with figures of 2-22. Hasaranga then made key breakthroughs in the middle order, leaving New Zealand precariously placed at 65-5 halfway through their innings. The recovery effort by Mitchell and Bracewell was commendable and laid down a respectable total that initially looked under threat against the two opening batsmen from Sri Lanka.
However, the dramatic collapse of Sri Lanka after Duffy’s exceptional over, where crucial wickets fell in quick succession, allowed New Zealand to regain control. The performance by bowlers Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes at the death was instrumental in sealing the narrow victory.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, with New Zealand’s resilience on display as they emerged victorious despite significant challenges along the way.
